Detroit Lions Select Former Gators LB Jarrad Davis With 21st Pick

Florida Gators linebacker Jarrad Davis has become the first player from a Florida school selected in the 2017 NFL Draft. Davis was drafted by the Detroit Lions with the twenty-first pick. Davis joins the Tahir Whitehead as part of a new look front seven the Lions have been building this offseason.

Davis was a standout linebacker at the University of Florida starting all four years for the Gators. He accumulated over 150 tackles and 5.5 sacks in the last two seasons at UF. Davis earned second team All-SEC honors for his senior season, despite playing only nine games due to a left leg injury.

Injuries seemed to be the only thing holding Davis back from going higher in this draft. During his sophomore year at UF, Davis tore his meniscus and was out for the final four games of the season. Two years later, he injured his left leg and his ankle kept him out of participating in the combine. However, Davis looks to be completely recovered and ready to play.

With Davis being picked by Detroit, he provides an athletic spark to that linebacking core. Davis has the ability to move sideline to sideline with great acceleration and great agility. It will be incredible to watch his development within the league.